Lauren Alaina shared a statement after parting ways with her longtime record label.
On Monday, April 4, just hours after the news broke that she has exited from her longtime record label after nearly 11 years, Alaina shared a statement confirming that she has departed from Mercury Records and UMG Nashville.
“I want to thank the staff at Mercury Records and UMG Nashville for everything they have done for me over the last 11 years,” Alaina began. “They have been my label home since the day I walked off the American Idol stage as a really young, wide-eyed, eager 16-year-old kid. Now, at 27 years old I look back and see just how much I have changed and grown into the woman I am now.”
Alaina continued to share that she is ready to explore new endeavors of her career and has some exciting things in the works in the near future.
“I have made the tough decision to spread my wings and close a very important chapter of my life,” Alaina continued. “There are more exciting things happening in my career right now than ever before, and I just can’t wait to see where it all leads. More to share soon. With gratitude and hope, Lauren.”
— Lauren Alaina (@Lauren_Alaina) April 4, 2022
Earlier today, a label representative for Universal Music Group (UMG) Nashville confirmed to Country Now that Alaina is no longer signed to the record label’s imprint, Mercury Nashville.
The “Getting Over Him” singer first signed with the label in June 2011 after being named runner-up on American Idol Season 10.
Four months after signing with the label, Alaina released her debut album, Wildflower, which features the lead single, “Like My Mother Does.” The project debuted at No. 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making Alaina the youngest female artist at the time to debut that high on the chart since LeAnn Rimes’ 1996 debut album, Blue.
During her time with the label, Alaina released two EPs, including Getting Good (2020), Getting Over Him (2020), as well as three full length albums, Wildflower (2011), Road Less Traveled (2017), Sitting Pretty On Top of the World (2021).
The powerhouse vocalist quickly became Nashville’s go-to duet partner, recording collaborations with artists such as Chris Young, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, BRELAND and more.
The award-winning country superstar has gone on to earn numerous accolades as well as three No. 1 hits, including “Road Less Traveled,” her 6x Platinum duet with Kane Brown “What Ifs,” and “One Beer” with HARDY and Devin Dawson.
Alaina has also appeared on a variety of TV shows, including American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, as well as her current appearance in CBS’ Beyond The Edge.
In addition to appearing in several TV shows, Alaina has also performed on several national television shows, including PBS’ A Capitol Fourth, The TODAY Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, ABC’s CMA Fest specials, CMA and ACM Awards, Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day halftime performance, MLB’s World Series national anthem (Game 5, 2021) and more.
In 2021, Alaina’s career soared to new heights with the release of her inspirational book, Getting Good At Being You. She also fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a Grand Ole Opry member when her friend and fellow country star Trisha Yearwood invited her to join the coveted institution.
Alaina is currently competing on a brand-new reality series called Beyond The Edge, which airs on CBS every Wednesday at 9/8c.
The songstress recently returned to American Idol to serve as a mentor during Hollywood week. She’s slated to return to the show next month as to partake in the show’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Additionally, the 27-year-old is currently in the midst of her headlining Top of The World Tour, with special guest Spencer Crandall, which wraps up on April 15 in Charleston, South Carolina.
It’s currently unclear if Alaina has plans to sign to a new record label or if she will remain an independent artist moving forward.